There are numerous clever strategies to economize on your travel arrangements, but abstaining from purchasing travel insurance isn’t necessarily one of them. While it may seem unnecessary to acquire a travel insurance policy for a road trip or a budget-friendly vacation close to home, it’s important to acknowledge the multitude of circumstances that can disrupt any travel plans, such as travel delays, flight cancellations, pandemic outbreaks, or destinations experiencing protests or unrest.
To identify the most cost-effective travel insurance companies, U.S. News devised sample profiles of travelers embarking on separate eight-day trips to diverse domestic and international destinations, encompassing various price ranges ($6,000 to $12,000). Using this information, we obtained quotes for the cheapest option providing 100% trip cancellation coverage for each trip. Subsequently, we calculated the average cost of these trips to determine the sample average cost. You can find additional information about the methodology employed for determining the cheapest travel insurance companies by referring to our dedicated resource. (Please note: The sample average costs provided are not price quotes from U.S. News. To obtain a travel insurance price quote, utilize the “compare plans and get a quote” link to enter your trip details and acquire more information.)
The following are the cheapest travel insurance companies according to our analysis:
1. World Nomads Travel Insurance
2. AXA Assistance USA
3. Trawick International
4. Generali Global Assistance
5. Seven Corners
6. Allianz Travel Insurance
7. IMG Travel Insurance
8. WorldTrips
9. Nationwide Insurance
Why is travel insurance necessary, you may ask? Vacations can be unexpectedly interrupted or even canceled entirely due to unforeseen illnesses, family emergencies, or cancellations by airlines or resorts. “If you’ve invested a significant amount in trip expenses, it’s crucial to ensure you’re protected in case of unforeseen events,” explains Angela Borden, a product strategist at Seven Corners. “Whether you fall ill and can’t proceed with your trip or if an incident occurs requiring you to return home early… I believe it’s truly essential because travel expenses are substantial in the present circumstances.”
Moreover, travel insurance can also cover other aspects of your trip that you may not have considered, such as lost or stolen baggage, missed connections necessitating an impromptu hotel stay, or additional meals while you’re rerouted onto another flight.
Instead of viewing travel insurance as merely an added expense to avoid during your dream trip planning, consider it as protection for the financial investment you’ve made in your vacation. With this perspective, it’s prudent to explore the market for the most affordable travel insurance policies.
Please bear in mind that coverage limits and availability might vary depending on your state of residence. Additionally, it’s important to note that coverage for trip cancellation or interruption due to COVID-19 can differ among providers. Therefore, it is advisable to consult the individual travel insurance websites for more detailed information. Continue reading to learn more about the offerings of each company and determine which travel insurance policy aligns best with your needs.